Religion is not just a temporary thing that helped us adapt to our environment. Rather it is a permanent and central aspect of the human condition. This is a bitter pill for secular, nonreligious people to swallow. Everyone wants to think that they are in the mainstream, that they are not extremists. But robust religious beliefs dominate the world. There is no reason to expect that to change.
from “The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism” by Timothy Keller
During my nearly two decades in New York City, I’ve had numerous opportunities to ask people, “What is your biggest problem with Christianity? What troubles you the most about its beliefs or how it is practiced?” One of the most frequent answers I have heard over the years can be summed up in one word: exclusivity.
from “The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism” by Timothy Keller
A carpe diem life lived solely for adventure is just a form of narcissism and idolatry.
– Timothy Keller
Sometimes it takes fanatical leaders to raise up enthusiastic followers.
– Nickie Geldenhuys
The new, fast-spreading multiethnic orthodox Christianity in the cities is much more concerned about the poor and social justice than Republicans have been, and at the same time much more concerned about upholding classic Christian moral and sexual ethics than Democrats have been.
from “The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism” by Timothy Keller
…younger Christians are the vanguard of some major new religious, social, and political arrangements that could make the older form of culture wars obsolete. After they wrestle with doubts and objections to Christianity many come out on the other side with an orthodox faith that doesn’t fit the current categories of liberal Democrat or conservative Republican.
– Timothy Keller
God was Reason itself. But would He also be “reasonable” in that other, more comfortable sense? Not the slightest assurance on that score was offered me. Total surrender, the absolute leap in the dark, were demanded. The reality with which no treaty can be made was upon me. The demand was not even “All or nothing.”…In the Trinity Term of 1929 I gave in, and admitted that God was God, and knelt and prayed…
-C.S. Lewis
The 20th century gave rise to one of the greatest and most distressing paradoxes of human history: that the greatest intolerance and violence of that century were practiced by those who believed that religion caused intolerance and violence.
-Alistair McGrath
Perhaps the most radical and transformative leadership is modelling what it is to forgive from the heart completely and permanently. Do so courageously and without looking back. May it be impossible to explain your life and leadership outside of the Person of Christ!
(2015-10-20). Forged on the Field: Letters from Global Mission Leaders (Field Notes Book 1) (Kindle Locations 497-499). Peregrini Press. Kindle Edition.
Pastor Mark Brand 